The Byzantine monastery of Sumela in Turkey will be opened for worshippers for just one dayJun 14, 2010
The fourth-century Byzantine monastery of Sumela, located in eastern province of Trabzon will be opened for parishioners for one day, August 15th, the government officials reported. Apart from being a significant place of sightseeing for tourists, this monastery is also considered a "site of pilgrimage for Orthodox believers", Recep Kizilcik, the governor of northern province of Trabzon, told media. "Every year, thousands of tourists, especially from Georgia, Greece and Russia visit the monastery. And we will open it for a one-day worship on August 15 under an official order from Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry," Recep Kizilcik explained.
The Sumela Monastery, founded in 386 AD, was the most important of the many monasteries built in the area during the Byzantine Era. Nowadays, after numerous reconstructions in subsequent centuries, the monastery remains the best preserved one and continues to attract pilgrims not just as a site of worship, but also as a place with a great panorama, since it stands at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters at the foot of a steep cliff facing the Altindere valley.
Turkey's decision to open the Sumela Monastery for worship for one day per year is a part of the politics of the country where Muslims are predominant. The government allows Christian worshippers to carry out religious ceremonies at some of the many Christian sites located on the territory of Turkey, but for a limited time. As it was reported in March, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism decided to open the ancient Armenian church of the Holy Cross, located on the Akdamar Island in Lake Van, for religious ceremonies for one day of the year, in September.
Back to news
